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Production Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Charles Town, WV

New

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Charles Town, WV

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Excavator Operator

Griffin, GA ยท On-site

$25 - $28.50/hr

Maintain productivity while following all safety requirements Required Qualifications * Proven experience operating excavators or similar heavy equipment (trackhoe, backhoe) * Ability to read grade ...

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Charles Town, WV

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD ยท On-site

$60 - $76/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Hagerstown, MD . In ...

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Hagerstown, MD . In ...

Excavator Operator

Dulles, VA ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Front Royal, VA

New

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Hagerstown, MD . In ...

Excavator Operator

Orlando, FL ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Hubbard Construction's parent company, Eurovia, operates through a network of 330 agencies and 770 production sites, in 17 countries around the world. General Description The Excavator Operator will ...

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Front Royal, VA

Excavator Operator

Hagerstown, MD ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Hagerstown, MD . In ...

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Equipment Operator - Excavator Heavy civil contractor specializing in large diameter open cut and ... production, and maintain the highest level of safety. Working 5-6 days per week 50-60 hours.

Excavator Operator

Charles Town, WV ยท On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Charles Town, WV

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Equipment Operator - Excavator Heavy civil contractor specializing in large diameter open cut and ... production, and maintain the highest level of safety. Working 5-6 days per week 50-60 hours.

Excavator Operator

Frederick, MD ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Hagerstown, MD . In ...

New

Excavator Operator

Front Royal, VA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Front Royal, VA

Showing results 41-60

Production Excavator Operator information

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$23

How much do production excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for production excavator operator in the United States is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a production excavator operator do?

A Production Excavator Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, specifically excavators, to dig, move, and load earth, rocks, and other materials on construction and mining sites. Their primary duties include safely maneuvering the equipment, following project plans, and ensuring productivity targets are met. They also perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance to keep the machinery in good working condition. Safety and precision are critical in this role to prevent accidents and ensure efficient site operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production excavator operator?

To thrive as a Production Excavator Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS machine control systems, maintenance protocols, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are often required. Attention to detail, spatial awareness, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise operation, which are critical for productivity and accident prevention on job sites.

What are some common challenges faced by production excavator operators on large construction sites?

Production Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining safety while operating heavy machinery around other workers, and adapting to rapidly changing site layouts. Efficient communication with site supervisors and other equipment operators is crucial to coordinate digging, loading, and hauling activities. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant for underground utilities and follow strict maintenance routines to minimize equipment downtime.

What is the difference between Production Excavator Operator vs Construction Excavator Operator?

AspectProduction Excavator OperatorConstruction Excavator Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentMining sites, industrial facilities, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, building sites
Industry UsageMining, manufacturing, resource extractionConstruction, infrastructure development

Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but Production Excavator Operators typically work in industrial or mining environments, focusing on material handling and extraction. Construction Excavator Operators work on building sites, focusing on earthmoving and site preparation. While their skills overlap, their work settings and project types differ.

How much do they pay a production excavator operator?

Production excavator operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $20 and $30, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated.
More about Production Excavator Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Production Excavator Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Production Excavator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,856 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Turner Mining Group

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$25.50 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Mainline Excavator Operator - Underground Utilities (CAT 340)

Location: Charles Town, WV

Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent)

Primary Machine: CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration)

Reports To: Team Lead

Lead the Dig - Precision Deep Utility Operations!

Are you an expert stick-hand who knows how to keep a pipe crew moving safely and production high? We are hiring a Mainline Excavator Operator for a direct placement opportunity in Charles Town, WV.

In this key role, you'll take the controls of a CAT 340 to dig deep mainlines to exact line and grade, set and advance heavy trench boxes, place structures, and protect the crew working in the ditch below.

Key Responsibilities

  • Precision Mainline Trenching: Operate a CAT 340 (Mainline Configuration) to dig trenches to tight line and grade tolerances for underground utility systems (water, sewer, storm).
  • Shored Trenching & Structure Setting: Expertly set, align, and advance heavy trench boxes/shoring while picking and setting pipe sections and utility structures.
  • Crew Safety Leadership: Work directly over and in constant rhythm with the pipe crew inside open trenches, maintaining top-tier situational awareness.
  • Daily Logging & Maintenance: Complete required daily equipment logs, perform pre- and post-trip walkarounds, check fluid levels, and report maintenance needs.
  • Team Collaboration: Work in close partnership with your Team Lead and grade checkers to safely meet daily production targets.

Candidate Requirements

  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating heavy excavators on underground utility and mainline pipelaying projects.
  • Pipelaying Expertise: Proven background trenching to line and grade, setting structures, and managing deep utility excavations.
  • Certifications & Compliance: Active OSHA 10 certification and a valid Driver's License are required.
  • Technical Skills: Expert ability to set, advance, and step trench boxes safely around working ground crews.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME